Bhutan Adventure Holiday: Cycle, Raft & Trek
14 days from £4,668 pp
Our Bhutan Hiking, Cycling & Rafting Adventure is a private, 14-day tailor-made active holiday for those who love the outdoors. Cycle through the Thimphu and Punakha valleys, raft the Punakha River, trek the four-day Druk Path over passes of up to 4,210 metres with a full camping crew, and finish with the hike to Tiger’s Nest. Prices start from £4,668 per person and include your private guide and driver, bikes, rafting, camping crew, hotels, your Bhutan visa and the daily Sustainable Development Fee.
Trip Highlights
- Cycle through Himalayan Valleys with amazing views
- White-water raft down the Punakha River
- Take on the iconic Druk Path Trek, away from crowds and camping with full support team
- Hike to the mesmerising Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Our Expert Tip
”The high altitude of some of the valleys makes cycling harder than usual. Even if you are a regular cyclist, be sure to do some extra training before you arrive”
Holly, Bhutan Expert
Detailed Bhutan Adventure Holiday Itinerary
Day 1-2: Thimphu
Unlike most adventure holidays in Bhutan, this trip combines cycling, rafting and a multi-day trek in one journey. Arrive in Paro, meet your private guide and driver, and transfer to Pelyang, a well-located hotel in Thimphu. This afternoon, explore the Royal Takin Preserve, the Royal Textile Academy and the National Memorial Chorten, then enjoy time to wander the capital on foot.
On Day 2, begin your cycling holiday in Bhutan with a 15 km journey to Tango Buddhist University, a mix of cycling and hiking with your support vehicle close behind. Pedal past charming bridges, crystal-clear streams, tiny traditional houses and strings of prayer flags, stopping whenever something catches your eye.
Finish with an optional visit to the Farmers’ Market, Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory and the Buddha Dordenma statue, ideal gentle acclimatisation before the adventure begins.
Day 3-5: Punakha
Drive towards Punakha (around 2 hours), stopping at Dochu La Pass (3,050m) for sweeping Himalayan views. Then hike the Divine Madman Heritage Trail down into the valley (around 3 hours) to relax at your hotel in Punakha.
Next day, hike around 9 km to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, the Queen’s temple, then swap boots for bikes on a 13 km ride to magnificent Punakha Dzong. This evening, visit the Fertility Village near Chimi Lhakhang, try on a traditional gho or kira, and enjoy a home-cooked Bhutanese dinner with local villagers.
On Day 5, cycle 16 km along the Pho Chhu from Punakha town, crossing an ancient suspension bridge, with one gentle climb of around 100m. Then join your rafting crew to float past Punakha Dzong ending with lunch. Ride as much or as little as you like, as your support vehicle is never far away.
Day 6-7: Gangtey
Transfer privately to the Phobjikha (Gangtey) Valley around 3 hours away. Visit Gangtey Goemba, then stretch your legs on the Gangtey Nature Trail through open wetlands and pine forest. Stop at the Black-necked Crane Education Centre to learn about conservation work protecting these remarkable migratory birds.
Enjoy the scenic Longtey Trail (around 4 hours) for far-reaching valley views and quiet village life. This evening, attend prayers at the Shedra (monastic school) as hundreds of monks chant—an unforgettable cultural highlight.
Day 8: Thimphu
Return to Thimphu (around 5 hours) to prepare for the legendary Druk Path Trek.
If time allows, take the gentle Wangditse hike for superb views over Thimphu Valley, winding through pine forest and colourful prayer flags to Wangditse Monastery.
Day 9: Druk Path Trek
Begin the classic Druk Path Trek: about 54 km over four days, with a high point of 4,210 metres. From the trailhead above the Takin Preserve, walk through juniper and rhododendron forest to Phajoding Monastery, then climb over Pumo La for vast views across the ranges.
Your trekking crew from our ground partner sets up camp and cooks wholesome meals. Read more about the route in our guide to the best treks in Bhutan.
Day 10: Druk Path Trek
Continue along high ridgelines and mountain shoulders, passing peaks traditionally associated with sky burials. Weather permitting, enjoy striking views of Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake.
Descend to Simkotra Tsho Lake (around 4,100m) before trekking on to Jigme Langtsho campsite for the night (around 6–7 hours on the trail).
Day 11: Druk Path Trek
Challenge yourself with a steep ascent to a panoramic ridge, then weave through thick rhododendron forest over a series of undulating passes. Expect a mix of short, steep climbs and gentle traverses before arriving at your final campsite at Tshokam—time to rest, refuel and celebrate your achievement.
Day 12-14: Paro
Descend gradually through blue pine forest to the trek finish (around 4 hours), passing small monasteries and yak herders along the way. Meet your vehicle and transfer to the Paro Valley for your final stay. Settle into your hotel and explore Paro’s temples, monasteries and museums with your guide, or choose a luxury upgrade such as a spa-focused lodge or a farmhouse dining experience.
Take a scenic excursion to Chele La Pass for crisp mountain air and spectacular views of Mount Jomolhari on clear days. Short walks and photo stops make this a relaxed contrast to your trekking days.
Save the best for last: hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), dramatically perched on a cliff at around 3,100m. The round-trip trek takes roughly 4–5 hours and delivers some of Bhutan’s most unforgettable views. Return to Paro to browse local crafts or simply relax—an easy going end to your Bhutan adventure. Bhutan is a world-leader in ethical and green travel. Read more about how to travel better, and greener here.
When to Go
Best time for an adventure holiday in Bhutan
The best months for this trip are April to May and October to November, when trails are dry, rivers suit rafting and the Druk Path’s high passes are clear. Spring also brings jacarandas around Punakha Dzong and flowering rhododendrons on the trek. December to February is too cold for camping above 4,000 metres, and June to September brings heavy rain and high rivers. Ask us which dates best suit your fitness and the activities you’re most excited about.
Includes
- All accommodation
- Excursions
- Transport
- Private guides
- Bhutan visa cost and daily SDF
Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa cost aside from Bhutan
- Tips
Why Book With Travel Differently
Passionate and experienced
- Each member of the team has over a decade of experience in the industry
- Our 5* client reviews reflect our service & standards
- We are a fully independent & owner-run tour operator
- Our holidays include full financial protection & ATOL coverage
- We are destination experts, ensuring authentic & reliable advice
Committed and Responsible
Tailor-made and Personal
- No two trips are the same, our holidays are 100% bespoke
- We design personal, genuine cultural connections & experiences
- From planning to travel, you’ll have one dedicated point of contact
- Our support is available around the clock during your holiday
- We take care of the details, so you don’t have to
Need More Inspiration?
Want to combine multi-countries, take less flights, or include a hike in Patagonia? Thinking of a longer sabbatical holiday, or staying in some luxury yurts? It’s all possible; all our holidays are tailor-made with a focus on responsible travel. Take a look at more ideas below, and contact our experts.
